Beachgoers in Santa Cruz, California, are being warned about an unusually bold sea otter that has been stealing surfboards and startling surfers. The latest encounter happened on Wednesday at Steamer Lane, a popular surfing spot.
Surfer Isabella Orduna said the otter climbed onto her board and even gave her a gentle bite on the foot, although it didn’t break the skin. “I’d call it an exploratory nip,” she said. The otter sat on her board for around 20 minutes before finally leaving, with help from other people nearby.
Local photographer Mark Woodward, who saw the incident, returned the next day and watched another surprising scene. This time, the otter grabbed the leash of a teenage surfer and tried to pull him backward as he paddled away.
Signs have now been put up at the beach, warning: “Aggressive sea otter in this area. Enter the water at your own risk. Keep away from marine wildlife.”
In 2023, a female sea otter nicknamed Otter 841 became famous for similar behaviour—jumping on surfboards and scaring surfers. It’s not clear if this is the same otter, as Otter 841 no longer wears a tracking tag.
Wildlife experts remind everyone to keep a safe distance from marine animals, no matter how cute they may look.
